SB 840 – Expands ban on using cell phones while driving to all drivers and to include telephone calls

• Sponsor: Pearce
• LR Number: 5883S.01I
• Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
• Last Action: 2/27/2014 - Second Read and Referred S Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• Journal Page: S435
• Effective Date: August 28, 2014

Current Bill Summary

SB 840 - Currently, only drivers under the age of 21 and drivers of commercial motor vehicles are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones to send, read, or write text messages or electronic messages. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are further prohibited from using hand-held cell phones to make telephone calls. This act expands the ban on use of hand-held cell phones to all drivers for the purposes of both sending, reading, or writing text messages or electronic messages and making telephone calls. Cell phones are permitted to be used by drivers in a hands-free or voice activated mode, which includes the use of a headset.

MICHELA BIRK